10 Free Blues & Jazz Albums - Sound Sunday
Sound Sunday: Free Blues and Jazz Albums
Sound Sunday is a regularly published article showcasing freely available album downloads. After featuring Punk Rock last week, this week’s selection shifts to a more subdued musical landscape.
This installment delves into the diverse spectrum of blues and jazz genres, offering a range of listening experiences.
Downloading Music for Free
Albums offered on a name your price basis are accessible for free by simply entering 0 as the payment amount. However, supporting the artists with a donation, even a small one, is highly encouraged if you appreciate their work.
Submissions and Suggestions
We gladly accept submissions of your own music, recommendations for free albums you’ve found, or requests for genres we haven’t explored recently.
All inquiries regarding Sound Sunday should be directed to Tina at [tina at makeuseof dot com].
Consider contributing to the community by sharing your discoveries and preferences.
Monroe - Take It Slow
Genre: jazz, lounge
The band Monroe presents a refined perspective on the dynamics of relationships through their music.
Originating from southern California, this contemporary jazz trio was formed in 2011 by Ken Raymundo, a singer and songwriter.
Raymundo collaborated with longtime friends from high school, Andy Chabolla on drums and percussion, and Chris Wellington on bass.
Drawing inspiration from their cultural heritage, the group blends traditional, calming melodies with a contemporary sensibility.
In July 2012, Monroe released their first album, Take It Slow, marking a significant milestone in their development.
Take It Slow is available as a pay-what-you-want download through Bandcamp.
The album represents the band’s initial foray into sharing their musical vision with a wider audience.
About the Band
- Monroe is a jazz trio specializing in a lounge aesthetic.
- The group was founded by Ken Raymundo in 2011.
- Andy Chabolla provides drums and percussion.
- Chris Wellington plays the bass.
Their sound is characterized by a fusion of classic jazz elements and modern influences.
The band’s music aims to evoke a sense of relaxation and sophistication.
Monroe’s approach to songwriting focuses on exploring the complexities of interpersonal connections.
The release of Take It Slow signaled the beginning of their journey as recording artists.
Listeners can support the band and access their music directly through the Bandcamp platform.
Bandcamp allows for flexible pricing, enabling fans to contribute what they feel the music is worth.
The Electric Creatures – Self-Titled Album
Genre: indie, rock, rock & roll, folk, blues
Review by Michael Rickert of the Examiner
Initial impressions of The Electric Creatures might prove somewhat challenging for some listeners. The band doesn't prioritize immediate accessibility in their music.
They forgo conventional introductory hooks, instead immersing the audience directly into a dynamic soundscape.
This sound is characterized by rapid electric guitar work, energetic horn sections, and distinctive vocals.
These vocals are delivered in English, notably featuring a pronounced Costa Rican accent.
Deeper Engagement and Musical Qualities
However, sustained listening reveals the album’s merits. While the initial energy is high and occasionally abrasive, the band demonstrates considerable musical charisma.
They also exhibit a skillful use of restraint when appropriate.
The production quality is particularly noteworthy, as evidenced by the opening of "Tornadoes."
The song features a prominent, reverberant electric guitar on the right channel.
As the track develops, additional guitar tones emerge, reminiscent of those found on The Beatles’ Abbey Road album.
Availability
The Electric Creatures album is available as a free download from Bandcamp.
Sian Sanderson & The Charm Offensive - A Look at "Write Your Wrongs"
This release falls into the genres of blues, pop, r&b, and soul music.
Sian Sanderson describes herself on Facebook as a singer, songwriter, and musician.
She has been performing on stages and composing music since the age of twelve, and intends to continue doing so.
About the Release
The song, Write Your Wrongs, is currently available as a pay-what-you-want download.
Interested listeners can obtain it directly from the Bandcamp platform.
This offers flexibility in pricing, allowing fans to support the artist at a level they choose.
Screaming Eagle - Hurricane
The music of Screaming Eagle falls into the genres of blues, pop, and country.
Screaming Eagle is the professional moniker of Christopher Alan Nanney. He originates from Jacksonville, Florida.
Currently, Christopher is pursuing studies at the Florida School of Massage, located in Gainesville, Florida.
Purchasing the album at a modest cost directly supports Christopher’s educational expenses and tuition fees.
About the Album
Hurricane is offered as a pay-what-you-want download through the Bandcamp platform.
This allows listeners to contribute any amount they deem appropriate for the music.
Supporting the artist in this way helps fund his ongoing education.
The album represents a unique blend of musical styles, reflecting Screaming Eagle’s diverse influences.
Listeners can access Hurricane and directly assist Christopher Nanney in achieving his academic goals.
Crispy Watkins - "And It Will Move"
Genre: blues, roots, folk
Crispy Watkins, a musician originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, discovered his passion for Blues, Roots, and Americana music through listening to WDVX radio. His musical style is heavily shaped by the sounds of Delta Blues, early 20th-century jug bands, and the traditional music of the Appalachian region.
Album Details
Watkins’ first album, titled And It Will Move, was recorded in the mountains of North Carolina in the autumn of 2011. The album reflects a blend of these diverse influences.
The album, And It Will Move, is available as a pay-what-you-want download through Bandcamp. This allows listeners to support the artist directly and access his music at a price they determine.
Maxey Nicholson and the Essence of the Blues
Genre: jazz, blues
The album notes for this release state a simple truth: the blues often requires no justification. Nicholson views it as a profoundly expressive and uplifting form of music.
He believes the blues eloquently captures the full spectrum of human experience, encompassing both its triumphs and its hardships.
Nicholson identifies the blues as a foundational element of jazz music.
His aspiration is for his own musical creations to be categorized within either the blues or jazz traditions.
Accessibility and Availability
Argument for the Blues is currently offered as a pay-what-you-want download through the Bandcamp platform.
This allows listeners to access Nicholson’s work with a flexible pricing structure.
Bandcamp provides a direct avenue for supporting the artist and enjoying the music.
Shakey Graves and "Roll the Bones"
Shakey Graves represents a compelling blend of musical styles, encompassing alternative, country, blues, folk, and lo-fi genres.
According to his Last.FM artist profile, Shakey Graves is the performing name of Alejandro Rose-Garcia, based in Austin.
A Self-Made Debut
Rose-Garcia demonstrated considerable artistic control over his initial work. He single-handedly wrote, recorded, and produced all aspects of his debut release, “Roll The Bones,” which has garnered significant critical acclaim internationally.
The album’s distinctive sound, characterized by vibrant choral arrangements and intricate fingerstyle guitar work, possesses a uniquely captivating and melancholic quality.
This has rapidly established Shakey Graves as a recognized artist across the United States.
Continuing a Texas Tradition
Rose-Garcia builds upon the legacy of Texas singer-songwriters. He embodies the tradition of fingerpicking guitar and storytelling through song, focusing on both grand narratives and personal experiences.
He is considered a valuable addition to the Texas music landscape and the broader independent folk movement.
His music evokes a sense of wanderlust and a desire for leisurely journeys through the American countryside.
Availability
Roll the Bones is available as a “pay-what-you-want” download through Bandcamp.
Ryan Helsing - Dreams of Color
Ryan Helsing’s music spans several genres, including electronic, instrumental, jazz, lounge, chillout, downtempo, trip hop, and hip hop.
Background
According to his Bandcamp page, Ryan Helsing was born on March 9, 1991, in Denver, Colorado, USA.
He began learning to play the guitar at the age of eleven.
Throughout his high school years, Helsing engaged in experimentation with music production techniques.
In 2009, he commenced studies at the University of Georgia in Athens, initially majoring in computer science.
The live performances of artists such as Bonobo, Emancipator, Four Tet, and Tycho served as a significant source of inspiration for him.
This inspiration led him to produce and share his own musical compositions online.
About the Album
Dreams of Color is available as a complimentary download.
The album can be directly downloaded from MediaFire via a provided URL.
This offers listeners easy access to Helsing’s work.
Beats Antique - Tribal Derivations
Genre: electronic, experimental, gypsy, blues.
Beats Antique is described on their Bandcamp page as a unique musical fusion.
The group masterfully blends contemporary technology with live instruments and captivating performances.
A Unique Musical Blend
Their sound incorporates diverse elements, ranging from brass bands and glitch effects to string quartets and dubstep.
This combination defines the trio’s distinctive style within the landscape of live electronica and world roots music.
Free Download Availability
Tribal Derivations is offered as a complimentary download directly from Bandcamp.
Listeners can access this album without cost through the platform.
Jamie Breiwick - Impressions of Miles
Genre: jazz
Jamie Breiwick is widely recognized as a highly sought-after and adaptable trumpet player throughout South-Eastern Wisconsin. His performance experience includes collaborations with numerous nationally acclaimed musicians.
Notable Collaborations
Among those Jamie has performed alongside are Arturo O'Farrill, Dan Nimmer, Joe Sanders, Willie Pickens, Jim Pugh, Steve Houghton, Brian Lynch, Pete Zimmer, Rob Wilkerson, Rick Germanson, Jon Faddis, and Carl Allen.
Currently, Jamie’s primary musical endeavor is the band known as Choir Fight.
The album Impressions of Miles is available as a complimentary download from Bandcamp.
This recording showcases Jamie’s musical interpretations and skills within the jazz genre.
- The album offers listeners a unique perspective on the music of Miles Davis.
- It is presented as a free offering to the public through the Bandcamp platform.
Listeners can access and enjoy Impressions of Miles directly from Jamie’s Bandcamp page.
Further Engagement
Did you find enjoyment in any of the featured albums? Consider supporting the artists by sharing this article or the albums that resonated with you.
If a specific album particularly impressed you, a donation to the artist would be greatly appreciated, enabling them to continue creating exceptional music.
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